Andrew Llinares, Fremantle’s global entertainment boss and a former Dancing with the Stars EP, is exiting the Got Talent maker after three years.
Llinares is stepping down from the London-based role in the spring, with no info on his replacement bar Fremantle saying his global entertainment division will temporarily report to CEO Jennifer Mullin. Llinares said he wants to return to “making shows and being creative myself.”
Llinares “played a central role in leading and shaping Fremantle’s internationally recognised global entertainment portfolio and its format development,” according to Fremantle.
Previously, he exec produced five seasons of Dancing with the Stars, while in the UK he was a former showrunner of The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, both of which are co-produced by Fremantle.
Fremantle entertainment shows include … Got Talent, Too Hot To Handle and The Piano.
Mullin called Llinares “a visionary creative.” “I have been extremely fortunate to work closely with him over many years – both in his current leadership role and during his time as a creative executive producer and showrunner. He has been responsible for developing some of the most iconic and successful entertainment shows ever made.”
Llinares added: “This has been a very difficult decision. Fremantle is an exceptional company with exceptional teams around the world, who I believe are the very best in the industry. It has been an honour to work with them all and our amazing Global Entertainment Team – I know our paths will cross again. I’ve loved every moment, but I couldn’t ignore the creative itch to get back to making content myself. Now it’s on to the next creative adventure.”
Last month, Christian Vesper, Fremantle’s global drama and film chief, revealed he was exiting after a decade.